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The Chicago Blackhawks announced that forward Phillip Danault has been returned to the Victoriaville Tigers of the QMJHL Wednesday.

Danault was selected 26th overall in June.

Danault, the teams first round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, was selected ninth overall in the 2009 QMJHL Entry Draft by Victoriaville.

The 18-year-old Victoriaville, QC. native scored 23 goals and recorded 67 points in 64 games last season for the Tigres. He also captained the team to the quarter-finals in last year’s QMJHL playoffs before being eliminated in four games to the eventual Presidents Cup and Memorial Cup champion Saint John Sea Dogs.

The six-foot, 184-pound centre was invited to Hockey Canada’s Development Camp this summer in Edmonton and Fort McMurray.

Danault will return to his junior club as captain for the upcoming season.

The Blackhawks also returned Mark McNeill to the Prince Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League.

McNeill, selected 18th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, had 32 goals and 81 points in 70 games last season with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders.